Links

The DIO runs a Twitter account for news and updates on the Salisbury Plain Training Area using the Twitter hashtag #modontheplain. This account now has over 3750 followers. If you’d like to follow us go to: www.twitter.com/mod_dio

April 2017 Newsletter

After a busy March activity on the Plain will be significantly reduced in April. During the first week the Royal School of Artillery with both live and dry artillery training based on the Larkhill Ranges and the East. Also during the first two weeks of April you will see the deployment onto the Plain of 1 MERCIAN company with Warrior and the Royal Tank Regiment with a Challenger 2 squadron moving across SPTA from West to East. EX WESSEX STORM starts on 21 Apr with a light Battlegroup positioned mainly in the West and around Copehill Down village

NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The legal impulse noise level is 140dB, but MoD self-impose a 130dB limit. All ranges have been directed to ensure that no impulse noise greater than 130dB is heard outside the range boundary in populated areas or on main routes. If there is an operational imperative STSO HQ DIO SD Trg SP may authorise an increase to 137 dB.
Gunfire noise is predicted using the Gunfire Noise Analysis Tool (GNAT) and traces from the Met Office Noise Evaluation Tool (MONET) at Larkhill Met Office. Range Operations monitors noise from both the guns and the impact area using fixed microphones linked to the Gunfire Noise Assessment Tool (GNAT) computer in Westdown Camp and staff may deploy with hand-held noise monitors.

SAFETY NOTICE – HORSE RIDERS

Individual horsriders are NOT permitted to ride freely anywhere on Salisbury Plain and must stay on Bridal Paths, Byways and Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT), unless they are part of an MOD licenced event. As part of an effort to mitigate the problems caused when horses react to aircraft, the Joint Helicopter Command in conjunction with the BHS, has created a safety leaflet for horse-riders which will be disseminated around the local area. The key message is as follows:

MOD flight trials have shown that high-visibility clothing significantly increases the range at which riders can be seen in open countryside. Whilst wearing high-visibility clothing may not prevent an over-flight, it does enhance rider safety.Information about low flying is available from the MOD Low Flying Advisory Service (0845 600 7580) or on line at www.gov.uk/low-flying-in-your-area

Note: All Complaints/Enquiries should be made to 01980 620819.Note: Easter: Good Fri 14th – Easter Mon 17th

ACCESS

Access to SPTA is regulated by Salisbury Plain Military Lands, Bulford, Larkhill and Imber Range Byelaws. Always comply with local signs and flags. Rights of way in Range Danger Areas are closed when red flags are flying.

This Newsletter is published up to 6 weeks before the event and changes may occur. Access timings for the next week can be found on the SPTA Walks Line: (01980) 674763.

Imber Ranges. The public are excluded except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned open dates for 2017 are as follows:

A leaflet on public access to Imber is available online and should be read in advance of any visit: https://www.gov.uk/

Note. Dates may change if operational training needs dictate.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE CRIME ON SALISBURY PLAIN?

If any crime is taking place call 999, (or 101) and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.

The new Rural Crime Partnership for Wiltshire and Swindon (hereafter ‘the Rural Crime Partnership’) has been established by Wiltshire Police in consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon to provide governance for, and oversee delivery of, rural crime strategy. It provides coherence, direction and guidance to the delivery and apportionment of rural policing resources across the county in the context of the Community Policing Model. The first meeting was held at Wiltshire Police Headquarters on 18th October 2016, this is seen by Headquarters SPTA as a positive initiative in order to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on Salisbury Plain.

Report suspicious activity to PLAINWATCH (01980 674700) or PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk. The more information received the better, e.g. time, place, vehicle registration, description of individuals and vehicles.

Health and Safety reminder for all Military Training Areas and Ranges: